Skoda Kylaq: The Indian automotive market has one more player now and that is the Skoda Kylaq by the Czech automaker amid stiff competition in the sub-4-meter SUV space.
Launched on November 6, 2024, the Skoda Kylaq is a calculated attempt by the Czech carmaker to grab sizeable share of the Indian market, in which SUVs has a 50% share of the pie.
Skoda Kylaq: Modern Solid Design Language
The Kylaq is the first Skoda in India to get traits of the company’s modern solid design language. In a departure from its predecessors, it has a glossy black grille with 3D design ribs instead of the ubiquitous Skoda radiator grille.
The outside gives an impression of confidence with it’s prominent 189mm ground clearance, placed wheel arch cladding as well as contoured lines that combines solidity with practicality in a compact-yet-imposing body design.
Standing at 1,619mm tall, the 3,995mm long Kylaq has a width of 1,783mm and a 2,566mm wheelbase that gives an impression of generosity yet agility that help the vehicle maintain maximum space on the inside.
The eye-catching Olive Gold colour is new and unique to this model, and is one of five available paint finishes.
Performance and Efficiency
Beneath the Kylaq’s bonnet a tried and tested 1.0 TSI engine provides 85 kW (114 bhp) and 178 Nm of torque to the front wheels.
Buyers get the choice between a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic. The company asserts a fuel consumption of between 19.05-19.68 kmpl so it is also a judicious option for regular commuters.
Comfort and Practicality within the Interior
Inside, the Kylaq offers a roomy, contemporary cabin replete with smart details and sustainable materials. Premium comfort details such as electrically adjustable, ventilated front seats and ambient lighting give you a warm, homely feel in the interior.
Bootspace measures in at 446-litres, growing to a cavernous 1,265-litres with the rear seats folded flat, thus catering for a wide range of storage requirements.
Advanced Safety Features
The Kylaq has safety at the core of its design with more than 25 active and passive safety systems fitted to all models. These comprise of six airbags, Multi-Collision Brake, Roll Over Protection, Electronic Stability Control and more.
The car, which is the embodiment of prioritised passenger safety, has been recognised as one of the safest vehicles in the compact-SUV segment, having obtained a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating.
Technological Integration
In line with modern connectivity, the Kylaq gets several ultramodern features such as a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, eight-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless charging and an electric sunroof (on variants).
Such technology integrations are focused to elevate the driving and riding experience with convenience and comfort, for all trips.
Market Positioning and Pricing
Priced at ₹7.89 lakh (around €8,700) to start with, the Kylaq is being set as the most affordable Skoda in India. The price bracket goes up to ₹ 14.40 lakh for the top-spec Prestige AT, with 12 trims available over the range.This price range puts it head-to-head with hot hatches and premium sub-4-metre SUVs.
Skoda Kylaq:
The Skoda Kylaq is not just another new car but the brand’s assurance for its presence in India through locally-built cars that have been tailored to Indian tastes.
With the automotive market moving towards compact SUVs, the Kylaq is Skoda’s response to customers’ changing needs and blends European engineering with Indian market preferences.
Combining contemporary design, suitable performance, complete safety features, and reasonable price, Kylaq is going to make its place on one of the world’s diverse automotive industry.
And as it rampages into Indian homes, deliveries are underway and only time will tell on how this latest addition to the Skoda fleet transforms its identity in the Indian market.